President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Azerbaijan, Duncan Norman, on August 18.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the ambassador presented his credentials to the head of state.
Opening his remarks in Azerbaijani, Duncan Norman stated: “Your Excellency, when my wife Carrie and I first visited Azerbaijan 27 years ago, we were deeply impressed by the kindness of the people and the great potential of Baku. Since then, Azerbaijan has traveled a path of significant development. I am honored to open a new chapter in the relations between our countries.”
The ambassador noted that work is ongoing on a new strategic partnership between the United Kingdom and Azerbaijan, emphasizing that this will further advance achievements through deeper cooperation on shared priorities, strengthening security, and innovation. He highlighted the desire to build a dynamic partnership in renewable energy, defense, and aviation, while also noting strong ties in education and growing connections among the youth.
Ambassador Norman also conveyed that the UK government appreciates President Ilham Aliyev’s efforts toward establishing peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia and supports this progress. He further recalled that the United Kingdom was the first international partner to support Azerbaijan’s demining efforts.
President Ilham Aliyev welcomed the ambassador and commended his ability to speak in Azerbaijani. The head of state noted that the bilateral agenda holds great significance not only for the two nations but also in terms of regional development and cooperation. Expressing gratitude for the UK’s assistance in demining, the President emphasized the need for closer international cooperation in this area.
Recalling that Azerbaijan-UK cooperation began in the energy sector thirty years ago, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the vast potential for partnership in renewable energy, noting that the first solar power plant in the country was constructed by bp. The President also remarked that having lived through one year of peace out of the thirty years of independence is a major shift for the region, adding that security will remain a priority on the agenda given the regional situation. He concluded by noting the positive investment climate in Azerbaijan and the mutual interest between Azerbaijani and British companies.
The diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom have historically been anchored in strong energy cooperation, particularly through the involvement of British companies like bp in the development of Azerbaijan's oil and gas fields. In recent years, this partnership has expanded into areas such as renewable energy, education, and post-conflict reconstruction, including significant support for demining operations in the liberated territories.
